Brake lights staying on

[SPIKEY]

Evening all,
Just went out in the car and on pulling away it felt like the car was lacking power, I took the car out of first gear and put it back in and the car drove fine however the brake lights are staying on constantly now even when parked and locked up.
Any ideas guys??

Kind regards James

[Mirez]

Most likely you have either:

1) Wiring damage/short in the tailgate grommet
2) Defective brake light switch.

Given that if the ECU thinks you have your foot on the brake then it will cut engine power, I would go for a faulty switch as being the culprit. On some models there are two switches but if you look just above the pedal you'll see it/them. Unplug and see if the lights go out. If they do then you can try cleaning and resetting the switch.

[SPIKEY]

Ahhh Mirez the master of knowledge
spot on, had the aa out as I need the car in a few hours and it is indeed the switch. Took it apart and contacts are in good order so seems its a complete part fault.

Thank you for your prompt reply its very much appreciated

[gregers]

when mine went i got a new 1 from vw as it was a lot cheaper then fords.

[Mirez]

Have you got a multimeter? Remove the switch and test it on/off - I have heard of the actuator peg just needing to be reset

[SPIKEY]

I don't have a multi meter I'm afraid, something for the tool kit. The AA bloke took it apart checked the connections inside and put it back together before trying again but it was completely dead. When you say it may just need re setting how would this be done??
Was told to call back the AA in the morning and ask for a supply and fit. Apparently they will do just that and charge only for the part.

[Mirez]

Take a read of this, should be the same: http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?1158315